Today’s Photo

The Chapel at Fortaleza de Sagres

The generally gray weather along with the additional tweaks I’ve made to the new blog format put me in a black and white mood today. This chapel is on the grounds of the fortress that Henry the Navigator of Portugal used as a training ground for navigational instruction which aided in the creation of one of the greatest empires in the history of man. I suppose you can argue whether this was for better or worse but it was surely a great accomplishment of its time.

EdC.

Today’s Photo

 

Farewell Portugal

This seems like the right choice to close out the posts of our Portugal trip.  The sun was dropping lower in the sky (just above the top of the frame) on its way to a spectacular sunset on yet another perfect day of the trip.  Just to the left of this view, several thousand miles across the Atlantic Ocean is home and no matter how perfect the weather or how interesting the trip its about getting back to reality and into your comfort zone.  Time to move on to new “stuff”.

EdC.

Today’s Photos

Gallery – The Algarve … Alvor, Cape St. Vincent, Lagos

The Algarve (Portuguese pronunciation: [aɫˈɡaɾv(ɨ)]) from the Arabic word (الغرب, al gharb) meaning “the west” is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal. Tourism and related activities are extensive and make up the bulk of the Algarve’s summer economy. Fish, seafood and fruit production, which includes oranges, carob beans, figs and almonds, are other important activities in the region. The Algarve is the most popular tourist destination in Portugal, its population more than doubles in the peak holiday season thanks to a high influx of visitors.  From Wiki … More info here.

Alvor Beach

The Light at Cape St. Vincent

Cape St. Vincent

Tourist Treasures

Postcards

Fortaleza de Belixe

Fortaleza de Belixe

Rest Stop

Cape St. Vincent from Fortaleza de Sagres

The View from Fortaleza de Sagres

The Chapel at Fortaleza de Sagres

Lagos Lunch Break

Hats for Sale

Lagos Lane

Lunch in the Shade

Today’s Photos

Gallery — Scenes of Évora Portugal

Évora is a Portuguese city in the municipality of Évora. As of 2004, it had 41,159^[1] inhabitants.

The city is composed of the parishes of Santo Antão, São Mamede, and Sé e São Pedro in the historical centre and the urban parishes of Bacelo, Horta das Figueiras, Malagueira, and Senhora da Saúde outside the ancient city walls

Due to its well-preserved old town centre, still partially enclosed by medieval walls, and a large number of monuments dating from various historical periods, including aRoman Temple, Évora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  From Wiki …. More here.

Diana Columns

One of 23 Churches

Roman Temple of Diana

Kids in Tow

Carriage for Hire

Chrystal Close-Up

Hanging Chrystal

The Pregnant Madonna

Altar Near Capela dos Ossos (Chapel of Bones)

Bone Chapel Column

Bone Chapel Wall

Roof Work

 

 

Today’s Photos

Gallery – Nazare and Fatima

Nazare has become a popular tourist attraction, advertising itself as a picturesque seaside village. Located on the of the Atlantic coast, it has long sandy beaches considered by some to be among the best beaches of Portugal. We spent part of the morning exploring both the upper and lower parts of town before having a great lunch at S.Miguel on the beach.  After lunch we departed for the Shrine of Fatima and spent the balance of the day visiting the basilica’s and holy sites of the revelations. We were impressed with both the spiritual and physical presence of this very holy place.

EdC.

Scary Ledge

The Beach Below.

Man and Friends

Upper from Below

The Lower Beach

Cathedral Near Fatima

Cathedral Doors

The Old Basilica at Fatima

Fatima Bell Tower

Fatima Outdoor Worship Area

Christ on the Cross

The Old Basilica – Long Shot

The New Cathedral and Cross

 

Today’s Photos

Gallery – Scenes of Óbidos

The town of Óbidos is located on a hill and is still encircled by a fortified wall. The well-preserved medieval look of its streets, squares, walls and its massive castle have turned the picturesque village into a preferred tourist attraction in Portugal. If visiting, it is compulsory to try the local cherry liquor known as ginjinha.

More on Óbidos here.

EdC.

Street Scene

Flowery Window

Tourist Trail

Lantern and Sky

Self-Service

Art Tiles

Village Church

Church in the Wall

Battlements

Birdhouses Extraordinaire

Handwork

Today’s Photo

 

Cascais Waterfront

Unique “Lego” style construction contrasts sharply with the more traditional Portuguese architecture.  It was both a beautiful day and city.

EdC.

Today’s Photos

Gallery – Scenes of Sintra

Sintra (Portuguese pronunciation: [ˈsĩtɾɐ]) is a town in Sintra Municipality in Portugal, located in the Grande Lisboa subregion and the Lisbon Region. The town is aUNESCO World Heritage Site on account of its 19th century Romantic architecture.  From Wiki … more here.

Below the Castle of the Moors

Church Plaza

Back Streets

Summer Palace

Atlantic in the Distance

Imagine the View

Municipal Hall

Living on the Edge

Back Alley

Street Fountain

Marketplace

Lunch

Today’s Photo

Cabo da Roca

Cape Roca is located on the Atlantic coast of the Sintra District outside Lisbon. It is the western-most point of Portugal and Europe. More info can be found here. Tomorrow I plan to post a gallery of pictures from our visit to the town of Sintra a short distance from this location.

EdC.

Today’s Photos

Gallery – Scenes of Baroque Palacio de Mafra

We traveled to Mafra to visit the Palacio which is a combined summer/hunting palace, monastery and basilica of grand proportions.  Mostly interiors with a few outdoor shots.

EdC.

Bell Tower

St. Francis

Precious Art

Palace Kitchen

Kitchen Window

Monastery Interior

Doors and Shutters

Palace Window View

Basilica

Chapel

Palace Art

Music Room

Hunt Room

Library

Library Balcony

Interior Courtyard